The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was designed to address specific questions about the distribution of asthma and healthcare for asthma in the European Community. The survey aimed to estimate variations in asthma prevalence, asthma-like symptoms, airway responsiveness, exposure to risk factors, and medication use. The study involved 33 centers in 11 European Community countries, seven centers in five COST states, and 15 centers in seven other countries. The background of the study highlights the increasing morbidity and mortality rates from asthma in various European countries, suggesting that asthma is a potentially preventable condition. The survey used standardized questionnaires, allergy tests, lung function measurements, airway responsiveness tests, and blood and urine collections. The protocol provides detailed instructions on sampling strategies, data collection, and quality control. The study's objectives included estimating variations in asthma prevalence, exposure to risk factors, and treatment practices. The sample selection was based on administrative boundaries, with a focus on areas having populations around 150,000 people. The study involved two stages: a screening questionnaire and a main questionnaire with additional tests. The instruments used included questionnaires, skin sensitivity tests, serum IgE measurements, and bronchial responsiveness tests. The study's progress and future tasks, including data analysis and policy formulation, are discussed.The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was designed to address specific questions about the distribution of asthma and healthcare for asthma in the European Community. The survey aimed to estimate variations in asthma prevalence, asthma-like symptoms, airway responsiveness, exposure to risk factors, and medication use. The study involved 33 centers in 11 European Community countries, seven centers in five COST states, and 15 centers in seven other countries. The background of the study highlights the increasing morbidity and mortality rates from asthma in various European countries, suggesting that asthma is a potentially preventable condition. The survey used standardized questionnaires, allergy tests, lung function measurements, airway responsiveness tests, and blood and urine collections. The protocol provides detailed instructions on sampling strategies, data collection, and quality control. The study's objectives included estimating variations in asthma prevalence, exposure to risk factors, and treatment practices. The sample selection was based on administrative boundaries, with a focus on areas having populations around 150,000 people. The study involved two stages: a screening questionnaire and a main questionnaire with additional tests. The instruments used included questionnaires, skin sensitivity tests, serum IgE measurements, and bronchial responsiveness tests. The study's progress and future tasks, including data analysis and policy formulation, are discussed.